Some school bus routes will not operate when pupils return to classrooms

Some school bus routes will not operate when pupils return to classrooms

Communications from Bus Éireann were sent to parents on Thursday, outlining that some services will not begin on August 25 to coincide with the beginning of the school year. File picture: BusEireann

A number of school bus routes will not operate at the beginning of the school year, as Bus Éireann says there is a lack of drivers or bids to run services.

Communications from Bus Éireann were sent to parents on Thursday, outlining that some services will not begin on August 25 to coincide with the beginning of the school year.

“Despite extensive efforts, we’ve had trouble setting up transport on some routes, including yours,” the message reads.

“This is mostly because a number of difficulties have arisen in some localities with a small number of contracted services, including the service intended for your child.” 

It says these difficulties include a “lack of driver or contractor availability” as well as no bids being submitted to run the route, “despite repeated efforts to procure one”.

The letter says while Bus Éireann is “working intensively” to devise a solution, no bus transport will be available when the school term resumes.

Jennifer Whitmore, spokesperson for transport for the Social Democrats, said it was “completely unacceptable” for parents to have only received warning about delayed routes just days before the school term begins.

This is a problem that occurs every year and it is disgraceful that families are yet again being left high and dry. 

"As a result of receiving such late notice, parents will be scrambling to make alternative arrangements for getting their children to and from school next week,” she said.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said it is aware a “small number of school transport services are delayed”.

“Bus Éireann, which runs the scheme, has advised that some school bus routes can’t start due to a lack of contractors or drivers or appropriately sized vehicles. 

"In some areas, contractors pulled out or there were no bids received through the procurement process,” the spokesperson said.

“Where this has happened, students may have tickets but no bus service. 

"Bus Éireann is working to find replacements, and tickets will still be valid once services restart. 

"Affected families have been contacted and will get updates.

“The department understands the disruption this causes for families and is working with Bus Eireann to resolve these issues as quickly as possible. 

"Families may be eligible for a temporary grant if no service is available.” 

Two grants, the Exceptional No Service Interim Grant or the Special Transport Interim Grant, will be made available to impacted families.

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